All extremely natural. We speak of a genuine space whose main attraction lies in its conservation and, therefore, demands environmental respect from its visitors. His landscape virginity makes him have well deserved the title they have given him protected space, within the western coast of the Principality.
The locals call this beach the “Gaviero del Silencio”, possibly because of the colony of seagulls that nest on the angular cliff that closes it to the east. Apart from these birds, this semi-wild enclave is frequented by sports fishermen and underwater fishing enthusiasts, since the shelter that its physiognomy provides makes it ideal for these practices. Its waters are almost always calm and diving in them is a small luxury. A recommended dive begins on the right side of the beach, where the cliff located to the east of the bay is skirted, swimming inland and rounding the cape until reaching some islets. In this point we can submerge up to the 18 depth meters. The life in these funds is the characteristic of the Bay of Biscay, with a large quantity of mussels and barnacles in the rocks of the canals, laminaria groves, labrids such as merlo or maragota, bream, conger and scorpion; even some sea bass
On the beach, the golden and fine sand is combined with gravel and boulders. To access it we must leave our vehicle in the vicinity of the town of Castañeras and go down some steep stairs. Access is not difficult or tortuous, although it does not involve the comfort of other more accessible coves that can be reached by car.; perhaps for this reason it keeps its original idiosyncrasy as in few places in the Cantabrian Sea.
At low tide, the beach of Silencio gives way to the small cove of El Riego, a sandy area full of charm, between the island of Sarna, to the west, and Punta Gayuelos, to the east. Here cavities are opened and the rocks acquire unexpected designs. The most propitious place to enjoy absolute tranquility. We observe the islets of a steep archipelago, where the rest of the world is always too far away.
How to get to the beach of Silence?
It is located in the western half of the council of Cudillero, to Poniente del Cabo Vidio. The nearest towns are Castañeras and Novellana.
The reference town to get to El Silencio beach is Castañeras, taking the corresponding exit on the N-632. The beach is just over a kilometer from said population. Most of this journey can be done by car, not the last 250 meters, which must be covered on foot. The beach is descended by a staircase on the cliff. For those who do not have their own vehicle, in Novellana there is a railroad stop; This option, although it requires walking a good distance, presents the attractiveness of the beautiful coastal itinerary through which the train circulates.
Route from Silencio beach to Cabo Vidio
A 12 km route of medium difficulty -requires a good physical condition due to the continuous ups and downs-, which runs through the cliffs and beaches of Oviñana so we will enjoy impressive landscapes. In some sections it coincides with the Camino de Santiago.
We can do it from Castañeras to Faro Vidio or vice versa, or accessing from Novellana, Castañeras, Albuerne, Valdredo or Oviñana. In any case, we will go through the Sablón viewpoint, which for many is the bench with the best views in the world. Almost at the end of the route is the famous church, a natural cave of about 60 m. high that has been configured by the action of the waves. The effort is compensated by enjoying the idyllic surroundings of the tour.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com